A Sidmouth College PE teacher is setting a stellar example for his pupils as he begins training for his first full Ironman Triathlon.

Ben Williams, who is also the school’s head of year 11, is currently training for the gruelling Ironman Triathlon set to take place in Bolton in July.

The event consists of a 2.4-mile open water lake swim, a 112-mile cycle ride, that will take in 5,387ft of climbing, and finishes with a marathon, totalling 141 miles of non-stop physical activity.

“I have always thought that the Ironman Triathlon was the ultimate endurance event,” said the 29-year-old.

“I’ve always been interested in sports and challenging myself, so what better way!

“As a teacher of PE, physical disabilities and equal opportunities is something that I feel passionately about as I think we can sometimes take our physical health for granted.”

Ben not only sees this as a personal goal but will also run to raise £1,000 for Scope, a charity that provides equal opportunities for disabled people and the nominated charity for the UK Ironman.

He is no stranger to the strain of triathlons. He had already taken part in the UK Half Ironman and has just raced in the Immortal Triathlon, in Wiltshire, as part of his training, which is roughly half the distance he now intends to run.

“This will be a really tough challenge mentally, as well as physically, and it will really help to keep me going on the day knowing that I have the support of sponsors.”

Ben hopes to complete the course in less than 13 hours.

“I train about 13 or 16 hours a week so on top of my job at Sidmouth College, it has taken a huge amount of organisation and sacrifice.”

“I don’t have many days left now before the event and would be really grateful to anyone who feels able to sponsor me for this worthy cause.

To sponsor Ben, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/bwilliams